Digital
Media
If you
yo haven’t checked out our Virtual Library
recently, take a look! This spring we’re rolling
rece
out an updated lineup of exciting digital media
that offers more choices than ever.
With your library card you can instantly stream
or d
download thousands of popular movies,
mag
magazines, music, and eBooks to your smart
phone, tablet, or computer. We’ve listened to
your requests for more of your favorite titles and
easier access, and we have delivered. Now you
can enjoy more of what the Library offers,
anytime, whether you’re at home, traveling,
or sitting at a coffee shop.
Look inside for details on all-new products like
Hoopla, exclusive eBook content available only
to Park Ridge cardholders, and new free apps
that make downloading even easier.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Message from the
Board President
Book Club Mixer
Winter Reading Clubs

And with digital content, there are no late
fees – ever!

All the Hoopla on
Digital Media
(Continued from front cover.)
Thanks to funding from an Illinois Per Capita Grant, the Library
has added new digital resources to its collections. All can be
accessed by visiting the Library’s homepage and clicking on
the “Downloadables” button.

Staff
Spotlight

Hoopla
One of the most exciting introductions to our digital
collections is Hoopla, a free service that offers movies, TV
shows, and popular music for instant streaming or temporary
download to a computer or mobile device.
Hoopla features movie titles like The Fast and the Furious,
What Maisie Knew, Jillian Michaels exercise videos,
documentaries by Ken Burns, and much more. Titles for
children include the Caillou series and The Tales of Despereaux.
Music lovers can find recordings by Taylor Swift, Katy Perry,
Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and many other popular artists.
The best thing about Hoopla is that the titles are always
available – no waiting! – and automatically disappear from
your account after 72 hours, so you never have to worry
about late fees. To search the Hoopla catalog, visit the Library’s
website, or download the free Hoopla Digital app from iTunes
or Google Play.

What’s New With eBooks
You spoke, we listened. Since their introduction, eBooks and
eAudiobooks have been steadily gaining in popularity – and
now they’re easier than ever to find. Recent improvements to
the Library’s Overdrive site include:
• A streamlined downloading process that lets you access
materials with just a few steps.
• A redesigned Overdrive Media Console app that allows you
to read books without downloading or transferring. The
app works with any Apple or Android device.
• Exclusive new titles available only to Park Ridge
cardholders. Be sure to log in to your Overdrive account
before browsing, and you’ll find current releases by James
Patterson, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Nicholas Sparks,
and others.
• A brand new eBook catalog available to Park Ridge patrons
through an eRead Illinois grant. You can access the catalog
through the Library website, or through the axisReader app
available on iTunes and Google Play.

Zinio
Dubbed “the World’s Largest Online Newsstand,” Zinio lets
users download copies of over 140 popular magazines onto
a smart phone, tablet, or computer.
You’ll find current issues of magazines like Consumer Reports,
Chicago, Car and Driver, Us, Food Network Magazine, and
Rolling Stone. Zinio makes it easy to enjoy magazines
wherever you go – and you can keep them indefinitely.
Once you’ve created an account, you’ll find all kinds of great
titles, including back issues.
Ready to learn more about any of these new
resources? Visit www.parkridgelibrary.org today
and click on “Downloadables” to get further
details or create your own accounts.You can
also call Reader Services at (847)720-3280 or
Children’s Services at (847)825-4527.

Check out page
6
for details on
Little Pim, a
great new dig
ital
language learn
ing
resource for kid
s!

Mike Hominick
READER SERVICES

Mike helps coordinate social media for the Library.

“

Social media is a unique form of
communication. We can reach patrons any time
of day, when they’re at home or on the go, and they
can easily connect with us as well. With a click of the
mouse (or a tap of an index finger), we can share
interesting articles, post staff recommendations, and
even send birthday wishes to popular authors.
We can also connect with other librarians around the
world. Librarians share books that are getting a lot
of buzz and breaking news in the world of literature.
Social media is very interactive, more so than email.
I can reach hundreds of people at once and they in
turn expand these connections to their friends. We’ve
actually had posts that have gone “viral,” getting
thousands of hits around the world.
I’ve used our Pinterest page to invite users to post the
books they’re currently enjoying. I’ve also followed
users who share some great film recommendations.
On Twitter I’ve been able to post the title of a book
I’ve liked and, within a few seconds, the author has
responded! These connections to readers and authors
are incredible ways to enhance library services.
The Library has several social
media accounts including
Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and
Pinterest. Each of our accounts
has several hundred followers
and their numbers are rapidly
increasing.
My goal is for this format to be something that
people can enjoy on a daily basis, and a way for the
community to feel better connected to the Library.
It’s very rewarding to interact with patrons in a way
that’s fun and informal, yet still gives them something
useful.

NEWS & EVENTS
A Message From the Board President
Thank you for celebrating our 100th Anniversary with us.
It was a wonderful year!
As we begin our next 100 years of service, the Library
Board and staff are making plans for the future. We have
begun work on a new strategic plan and soon, we will be
asking you, our users, for your input to help us create a
vision for the future; 20th century libraries were “collection
centric” while 21st century libraries are “user centric”.
Additionally, we need to update you on the financial status
of the Library. As you may know, the Library receives 98%
of its income from property taxes that are levied by the
City Council on behalf of the Library. Over the past five
years, the City Council has reduced the Library’s annual
income by reducing the property tax levy. Therefore,
revenue has been reduced annually and is now down by
$452,000.
In November, the Library Board of Trustees submitted
a request to the City Council to reverse this trend and
increase the 2013 Library Levy by 5%. However, the
City Council voted unanimously to deny the requested
levy increase.
As this newsletter goes to press, the Library Board is
scheduled to meet in December to determine what
reductions will need to be made by May 1, 2014, when
the new budget year begins. We will be looking at everything, including the need to reduce spending on building
repairs, staff, the hours the Library is open, programs, and
new materials. At the same time, we are committed to a
strategic approach in maintaining core services that provide
the community with strong library services.
I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Margaret Harrison, Board President
boardpresident@parkridgelibrary.org

BOOK
CLUB
MIXER

Author
Kathleen Grissom
Saturday, March 1
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join us to mix and mingle
with other local book club
members, see what they’re
reading, and discuss new
book club trends. Kathleen
Grissom, author of book
club favorite The Kitchen
House, will call in to
answer your questions.
Get three members of
your club to attend and
you’ll be entered into a
drawing for a Wine Gift
Basket for your club!

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A
with Kathleen Grissom,
author of the New York
Times bestseller
The Kitchen House.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Idea tables, mingling,
handouts, and takeaways.

Registration required. Call Reader Services at (847) 720-3280 or
visit the Book Club Corner at www.parkridgelibrary.org/books.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Important Notice on
Tax Forms at Library

Annual Library Award
Nominations Now Open

The IRS has announced that there may be a delay in the
availability of standard forms for individuals filing 2013
federal and state income tax returns. The Library has
ordered forms and hopes to have them available by the
end of January.

The Park Ridge Public Library’s Board of Trustees is seeking nominations
for the Annual Library Award. Presented during National Library Week,
the award honors an individual who has provided extraordinary service
to the Library.

Please note that some specialized forms, and those for
businesses, can only be accessed from the IRS website.
Patrons can print them out at the Library for 10 cents
a page.

The honoree may be nominated for service in the past year or for service
over a number of years. Except for current trustees, anyone is eligible.
Nomination forms are available in the Library Business Office or online at
www.parkridgelibrary.org.

For more information, please call Reference Services at 847-720-3230.

Deadline for nominations: March 3, 2014.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Seating is limited to 90 and registration is required.
Register for programs in person, online, or by phone at (847) 720-3280.

= Registration Required

R EAD!

Book Discussion
Groups
JANUARY 2 –
FEBRUARY 28

STEP RIGHT UP AND LET THE FUN BEGIN! READ OR LISTEN TO FOUR BOOKS OR MORE AND

BE ENTERED INTO OUR GRAND PRIZE DRAWING FOR THREE FANTASTIC GIFT BASKETS. SIGN UP
AT THE READER SERVICES DESK IN JANUARY OR FEBRUARY TO BE PART OF THE EXCITEMENT.

Books are available at the Reader Services Desk
two weeks before the discussion. Registration is
required. For further details visit Reader Services
or call (847) 720-3280.

THURSDAY MORNING
BOOK DISCUSSION

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The Financial Aid Process
for Parents and Students
Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Representatives from ISAC will be here to offer an
introduction to the financial aid process. Grants,
scholarships, student loans, and FAFSA will all be
covered.

Friday Morning Coffee Club
Sweetgrass
Friday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Set in the grandeur of Montana’s
wilderness, this riveting portrait
of a dying way of life follows
modern-day cowboys as they lead their sheep
to the mountains for summer pasture. This event
is a collaboration with the award-winning
documentary series POV (www.pbs.org/pov).

Concert: Pianist Vladimir Leyetchkiss
Tuesday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, acclaimed pianist
Vladimir Leyetchkiss will perform works by
Schubert, Schumann, and Debussy.

Organizing for Everyone
Wednesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Beth Randall of Joe Organizer will provide
tips for tackling day-to-day paper clutter,
organizing ideas for your closet, and ways to
make your kitchen more efficient.

100 Things Bears Fans Should Know
and Do Before They Die
Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Author Kent McDill will talk about his book,
which explores the personalities, events, wins,
losses, and unforgettable moments of the Chicago Bears. Books will be available for purchase.

Healthy Eating:
Greens, Grains and Protein
Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Certified Holistic Health Coaches Jessica
Jacobsen and Gina Griffin-Hill will discuss the
benefits of adding these foods to your diet, along
with other ways to achieve your health goals.

Returning to College
Thursday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Are you considering going back to school to
finish college or get a new degree? Mary Kelly of
National Louis University will address important
questions to consider, including financial considerations, time management, and emotional and
academic readiness.

Antique Appraisals
Tuesday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m.
In this two hour program, appraiser Karl
Gates will give a brief history of antiques and
collectibles, and tell you what to look for when
evaluating antiques. He’ll also provide on-thespot appraisals for the first 60 attendees.

An Evening with TeaLula: Chai Wallah
Thursday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Sheila Duda of TeaLula will demonstrate how
to make delicious chai from scratch, plus give a
history of the drink. Samples will be provided.

Keynes’s Way to Wealth: Timeless
Lessons from the Great Economist
Tuesday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Author John F. Wasik will describe John Maynard
Keynes’s investment strategies, and explain
how contemporary investors can learn from his
success. Books will be available for purchase.

The Light Between Oceans
by M. L. Stedman
January 9 or 23
10:00 a.m.

Flight Behavior
by Barbara Kingsolver
February 13 or 27
10:00 a.m.

EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION
The Spy Who Came In
from the Cold
by John Le Carré
Wednesday, January 8
7:00 p.m.

A Room with a View
by E.M. Forster
Wednesday, February 12
7:00 p.m.

Mardi Gras with Chef Michael Maddox
Thursday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Chef Michael Maddox will demonstrate dishes
perfect for a New Orleans celebration. You will be
able to sample the food and take home recipes.

Raising Monarchs and
Other Backyard Butterflies
Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Author Sue Fox McGovern will walk you through
the steps of raising butterflies, and also speak
about how to attract them to your yard.

Affordable Care Act
Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m.
A representative from
the Illinois Health
Insurance Marketplace
Team of Governor
Pat Quinn’s office will
present information on the Affordable Care Act
and answer questions.

All classes are free. Phone, online and in-person
registration begins at 9:00 a.m. 30 days before the
class. M*=Mouse and previous Internet experience
required.

Basics
Basic Internet

Instagram, Skype, Facebook,
and More: Staying Connected in
a Digital World
Tuesday, February 18
7:00-8:30 p.m.
We live hectic lives, with families spread all over
the country and world. See how to use apps
and other technology to keep you connected to
those you care about.

No registration needed. All seating is on a first
come, first served basis. Doors open ½ hour before
show time. Seating limited to 90 (60 for foreign
films).

Saturday, February 15, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
While Google offers a lot, some of the best
information isn’t available on the free
Internet. This class introduces you to the variety
of premium resources you can access at home or
in the Library with your Park Ridge library card.

The Way Way Back
Tuesday, January 14
2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
PG-13, 104 min.
When 14-year-old Duncan goes on vacation
with his mother and her overbearing boyfriend,
he learns unforgettable lessons about life,
love, family, and friendship. Toni Collette and
Steve Carell.

What’s All the Hoopla?
Tuesday, January 21
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Hoopla allows you to download movies, TV shows,
and popular music from the Library. Learn how to
get the most out of our newest service.

When life
circumstances
make it difficult
to read or take
advantage of
what’s available
at the Library,
Outreach Services
can help.

Films @ the Library

Saturdays, January 11 or February 8
(No registration needed)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
One-on-one help to answer all of your computer
and tech-related questions. If you bring in a
gadget, be sure to bring any manuals or cords so
we can better assist you.

Are you homebound or
coping with a disability?
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
•
•
•
•

Homebound delivery
Specialized equipment
Low Vision Support Group
Audiobooks and large print books

Call Outreach Coordinator Cathy Thompson at
(847)720-3382 to learn more about essential
services we provide the community.

FEATURE FILM:

Elysium
Tuesday, February 11
2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
R, 109 min.
In the year 2159, two classes of people exist:
the very wealthy who live on a pristine space
station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on
an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Matt Damon
and Jodi Foster.

Siblings welcome.
Join us for our storytime just for babies! Enjoy
stories, bounces, songs, rhymes, and a playtime
at the end! Max: 18. Registration for the 7 week
session begins Saturday, December 21.

Wolves Player Visit
Grades 1 – 8
Wednesday, February 26
4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Kids who are registered in the Chicago Wolves
“Read to Succeed” program and their families are
invited to the Library to meet a Chicago Wolves
player. Get an autograph and a close-up look at
all of the hockey gear, and find out what it’s like
to play pro hockey! Max: 90. Drop in.

Want to
introduce
your child
to a foreign
language?
Give them a head start with Little Pim, an awardwinning language learning resource that you can
stream to computers and tablets.
Visit www.parkridgelibrary.org and click on the
Kids’ Pages/Premium Resources to learn more.

Earn special patches for
reading throughout the school
year! You can join the Reading
Patch Club anytime and collect
as many patches as you wish
by the end of Grade 6.
Visit the Children’s Services
Desk or call (847)825-4527
for more details.

All Ages Program
Take Home Craft
Monday, January 27
Stop at the desk in Children’s
Services to pick up a craft to
make at home. We will continue to hand out
crafts until our supply is gone.

Come One,
Come ALL-

YA W
WINTER
INTER

READING
REA
ADING
PROGRAM
PR
ROGRAM

READ!

January
J
a nuary 2 – February 28
28
EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE TO WIN
THIS WINTER – ALL YOU NEED
T DO IS READ A BOOK AND
TO
THEN STOP BY THE LIBRARY AND
TH
TELL
TE
L US ABOUT IT! EACH REVIEW
W
YOUU WRITE WILL ENTER YOU FOR
OR
CHANCE
A CHAN
ANCE TO WIN PRIZ
PRIZES.
Z E S.

Enjoy your day off from school at the Library’s
Minecraft creative competition! You may have a
chance to win a Minecraft prize. Third Floor
Meeting Room. Max: 12.

Teen Advisory Board
Monday, January 13
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, February 3
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Help out the Library by giving your input on
Summer Reading 2014. Help plan new programs
and get service hours! All are welcome. Third Floor
Meeting Room. Max: 20.

Pizza & Pages
Tuesday, February 4
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Stop in for pizza and a chance to share your
current favorite books – and leave with some
new ones. Third Floor Meeting Room. Max: 20.

Knot It Up
Wednesday, February 12
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Teacher Program
DO RE MI to A-B-C:
The Direct
Connection
Between Music
and Literacy
Wednesday,
February 26
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Minecraft
Friday, January 3
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Spend the afternoon making everything from
Rainbow Looms to friendship bracelets for
yourself and your friends. Max: 20.

For High School Students

Nationally renowned
music specialist, “Miss
Carole” Stephens will
present a workshop
on using music in the classroom to promote
literacy. This program is most appropriate for
preschool through first grade teachers. CPDU
and continuing education credits available.
Max: 45. Registration begins Saturday, February 15.
Unless otherwise noted, registration
for Children’s Services programs is for
children only. Tickets must be picked up
at the Library; we cannot hold tickets for
you. Please don’t be a “no show”! If you
are unable to attend, please call so we
can make that place available to another
child. Register in person, online, or by
phone at (847)825-4527.
Note: By attending a program at the
Library, participants (or their guardians)
give permission for the Library to take
pictures for use in Library publications.

The Financial Aid Process
for Parents and Students
Thursday, January 16
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Representatives from ISAC will be here to
offer an introduction to the financial aid
process. Grants, scholarships, student loans,
and FAFSA will all be covered. Max: 25.

ACT Prep: Practice Exam
Saturday, February 15
Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a free ACT practice exam offered
by College Tutors, Glenview Learning Center.
Your score will be provided before you leave,
and the session will include guided instruction. Please bring a calculator with you to the
exam. Max: 35.

Come browse thousands of gentlyused picture books, early readers,
collectibles, and more! Sponsored by
the Friends of the Library.

Low Vision
Support
Group

SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, January 24
and February 21
at 10:30 a.m.
If you or someone you care
about has limited vision, this
group offers an opportunity
to share your experiences and
obtain helpful information.
The featured speaker for
January’s meeting will be
from the Chicago Lighthouse.
For more information,
contact Cathy Thompson
at 847-720-3382.

Representatives from over twenty area preschools and daycare
facilities will assist you in choosing the best setting for your child.
Parents can also learn about educational opportunities at
museums, dance studios, and other enrichment programs.
This event is co-sponsored by the Park Ridge Community Women.